A devastating residential fire that resulted in twelve fatalities in Shantou, Guangdong province, has been officially linked to the improper use of mosquito-repellent incense combined with illegal storage of highly flammable materials. The National Fire and Rescue Administration disclosed these findings during a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday.
Wang Tianrui, Deputy Director of Fire Prevention and Supervision, characterized the December incident as particularly tragic since all victims belonged to a single four-generation family. According to the investigation, the blaze originated in a five-story self-built structure where the ground floor operated as a hardware store. This commercial space was found to be unlawfully stocking volatile substances including polyurethane foam sealant, aerosol spray paints, portable butane canisters, and lithium batteries—all exceeding approved business permits.
The residential section above housed twenty family members across four generations. The building’s design, featuring dual staircases running from the ground to the top floor, essentially created a chimney effect that rapidly channeled flames and smoke upward. This architectural layout, combined with the combustible inventory below, formed ideal conditions for a catastrophic fire.
While a special provincial task force continues its investigation, authorities have issued renewed warnings to owners of self-constructed buildings used for business purposes. Deputy Director Wang emphasized the critical importance of strict adherence to fire safety regulations and compliance with legal storage requirements to prevent similar tragedies.